3.73 vs 3.42
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 16,754
Likes: 996
From: Mile High Country !!!
Car: 1967 Camaro, 91 z28
Engine: Lb9
Transmission: M20
Axle/Gears: J65 pbr on stock posi 10bolt
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,795
Likes: 15
From: St. Cloud, MN
Car: 1984 Trans Am
Engine: LS1383 in work
Transmission: Magnum F - to be installed
Axle/Gears: Zexel Torsen 3.73, 28-spline mosers
Re: 3.73 vs 3.42
Seat of your pants...probably not much. Physically the 3.42 is stronger and will get a bit better gas mileage. The 3.73 is a killer street gear, getting you off the line and putting you in the seat hard. It is a physically smaller gear though, so it's weaker if you're running slicks or the like, might break easier, if you're running 400+hp.
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 19,282
Likes: 103
From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: 3.73 vs 3.42
I have a buddy who once claimed that at a light or stop sign he had to shift out of first before crossing the intersection. My 3.23's aren't much better.
JamesC
JamesC
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,553
Likes: 806
From: South Ms
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 355 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt.Posi-3.73s
Re: 3.73 vs 3.42
To me 3.42 is better because with the 3.73 first to second gear is so steep it gets on you a little fast for my taste.
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 2
From: North Salt Lake
Car: '86 Camaro, '94 Camaro, 3 others
Engine: LG4 ->L29, L32->LR4, L36, LG4, L31
Transmission: 700R-4, T5WC, 4L80E, SM465, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.23, WTB/WTT 2.93
Re: 3.73 vs 3.42
With any V8 / auto car, I like first gear to pull at least 35 MPH at WOT, no more than 40. You can calculate this before buying gears, don't forget to factor in about 400 RPM of converter slip. Unless you got a cheap loose torque converter. Those will slip more.
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UltRoadWarrior9
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Apr 28, 2020 10:39 PM